South India - Cultural And Wildlife Trail

Upon arrival at Bangalore airport, meet and assistance by our office representative, followed by transfer to Mysore. En route visit Srirangapatna (16km from Mysore) - the island fortress of Tipu Sultan and the early capital of the Mysore Wodiyars - Here you will find monuments such as Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets built in 1787, Tipu’s Summer Palace (known as the Daria Daulat Bagh) built completely on wood and converted into a museum that houses some fantastic artefacts and paintings related to Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, and the Gumbaz where lie buried Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali and others of the royal family. Arrival at Mysore and check-in at your hotel The Metropole. Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

After your breakfast. This morning proceed on a sightseeing tour to get a feel of this charming city as you past some lovely colonial structures and old local monuments. Visit the Maharajah's Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings in India. Inside, you will find a kaleidoscope of stained glass, beautiful carved wooden doors and mosaic floors. Continue towards the colourful Devarajan Market and also visit Chamundi Temple, overlooking Mysore from the 1062 metre summit of Chamundi Hill. At the top of the 1,001 steps up Chamundi Hill, lies a 12th century temple that houses a golden statue of Chamundi - the Hindu goddess worshipped by the Maharajas. This afternoon proceed for a quick stop at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary for a boat ride. The reserve of 40 acres is an important nesting and breeding ground for the thousands of bird species. It witnesses the arrival of a large number of migratory birds from as far as Siberia, North America and Australia. Later on, you will experience a heritage Tonga ride (horse-drawn chariots). These vehicles ruled the streets in their heyday and now are used to ferry around the heritage buildings and provides insights into the local culture. Back to hotel. (Breakfast & Lunch)

After your breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Nagarahole National Park. On arrival, check-in at your hotel the Kabini River Lodge situated in the southern fringes of the Nagarahole National Park. This lodge has colonial style architecture with modern amenities. This late afternoon, proceed for a Jeep Safari into the Nagarahole park, accompanied by experienced drivers and Naturalists. This area boasts of the highest density in Asiatic wildlife and is considered one of the best places in India to view the Asiatic elephants and gaur. Dinner and overnight stay. (Full Board)

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning, cruise through the serene backwaters of the River Kabini on a motor boat viewing Aquatic Bird and other wild life on the water intent on their morning catch. Return back to your hotel and again later this afternoon, enjoy a Jeep Safari into the Nagarahole park, accompanied by experienced drivers and Naturalists. Rest of the day at leisure to relaxe in the serene area. Dinner and overnight stay. (Full Board)

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the Kabini river for the plains of the Bandipur National Park. This park along with Nagarhole, Wayanad Sanctuary and Mudumalai National Park, makes the Nilgiri Biosphere. It is one of South India’s most famous wildernesses areas, and home to leopards, four-horned antelopes, crested serpent eagles, as well as fragrant Sandalwood trees. On route, you will visit the Venugopalaswamy temple at Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, located at a height of 1450 m, highest peak in the Bandipur National Park, known for Krishna temple, built by King Chola Bhallala in 1315 AD. The temple receives scores of devotees, as well as having the most fantastic views of the sunrise over the park. Check-in at your hotel the Windflower Resort and Spa, located near the Forest Reserve. Enjoy the end of your day in your jungle retreat. From your hotel go for a small trek 5km up to the adjoining hill for a panoramic view of this living sanctuary and spot deer gathering at the reservoir. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (Full Board)

This early morning, get ready for a wildlife exploration & birding within the periphery of the national park. You will board a Jeep Safari (Duration 2hs) to explore the Bandipur National Park with knowledgeable guides. There's plenty to see: elephants munching on bamboo, herds of spotted deer, Indian bison and crested serpent eagles. Later return to the resort for fresh-n-up and breakfast. In the late afternoon, you will again get ready to explore the nearby park, Mudumalai National Park. After clearing check-in formalities at the entry gate (Karnataka – Tamilandu Border) you will enter to the national park. This kind of safari (canter bus) is not deep inside the jungle but run on the peripheral roads that run through the forest. Mudumalai is an ideal home to several endangered and vulnerable species nestling Indian elephant, Bengal Tiger, Gaur and Indian Leopard. After enjoying this wildlife safari we will return to Bandipur to enjoy the end of your day in your jungle retreat. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (Full Board)

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and proceed to Ooty. Called the Queen of Hill Stations - Picturesque, green Ooty is the most popular hill station in South India. Located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2240 m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district where the two Ghats ranges meet. Apart from Coffee and Tea plantations, trees like confiers, eucalyptus, pines and wattles dot its hillsides. Upon arrival check-in the hotel Sullivan Court. This early afternoon take the Toy Train from Ooty to Coonoor. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, built by the British in 1908, in July 2005, UNESCO added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. On arrival in Coonoor proceed for the sightseeing - Lamb's Rock, view point of the surroundings Tea and Coffee plantations then heads up to another viewpoint, the Dolphin's Nose lying over 1,000 feet above sea level, 10 km from Coonoor. Back to Ooty. Overnight Stay at hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to Pollachi and step into the rich heritage of Tamil nadu. Pollachi was known as "pozhilvaichi" which means "the land of natural wealth and prosperity. You will be directed to your guesthouse Shenbaga Vilaasam, formerly a farm getaway for a Vanavarayar royal family, built in the early 1900’s. Experience the warmth hospitality of your host. Built in a unique blend of south Indian architecture, Shenbaga Vilaasam is decorated with family heirlooms and the antique collectibles that the family has acquired over the years. Later on you may go explore the old charmed surroundings villages with a bullock-cart ride to Samathur on the outskirts of Pollachi. This city is very popular for its markets, especially for jaggery, coconut, fresh vegetables and cattle. Stop by to admire an artisan at work or a village temple or just to catch some village small talk.. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Half Board)

After breakfast, enjoy a walk in the mornings where the only noise would be peacocks calling out to each other in the town. Proceed to Munnar, South India's largest tea-growing region, passing through the rolling hills and sculpted tea gardens. Check-in at your hotel Ecotones. Later on go to the Eravikulam National Park (subject to opening)- A sanctuary for the mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr. The Park stands out for the beauty of its rolling grasslands spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan devan hills.Later see the Mattupetty dam with its still water reflecting the tea gardens around. Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

After your breakfast, go on a full day trekking passing through the rolling hills and sculpted tea gardens of Munnar (Difficulty level is easy / duration 4-5 hrs). You will be transferred by Jeep to your trek starting point at Top station village. From there go walking, passing through the Tea Plantations where you can interact with the Tea workers. Continue your trek path to the village of Pazhathottam and observe the farmers raising their fields. Enjoy a Picnic Lunch served en route. Finally you will be picked by the Jeep to proceed to Koviloor village and later oriented back to your hotel. Overnight stay.(Breakfast & Lunch)

After your breakfast in the camp, finish your trekking journey and you will be met by our representative and transferred to Thattekadu to your hotel, drive cross the Ghats. Enroute visit a Tea Factory and get to learn everything you need to know about the Nilgiris tea, while witnessing the step-by-step of the manufacturing process. Arrival at Thattekadu and Check-in at the Hornbill Camp. Set amidst a coconut grove on the banks of the Periyar River, the Hornbill Camp consists of cottage tents built on raised platforms. The camp overlooks the lowland forests of the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, one of the richest bird habitats in peninsular India. There you will be able to enjoy a kayaking expedition's trip on the banks of the river Periyar to discover the thick forests across the river, or some cycling to the countryside - spice growing villages, and in the plantations that surround the camp (Payable locally).(Half-board)

Early in the morning guided bird watching at nearest Salim ali bird sanctuary with a naturalist who will guide you through the forest and will help you with sighting and identifying the rare species of this sanctuary (packed breakfast). Return back to you hotel and after check-out in early afternoon drive to Cochin - the Queen of Arabian Sea, undoubtedly the Commercial hub of Kerala, where ancient civilization gracefully mingles with the modern life. Arrive at your hotel located in Fort Kochi and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in the streets of this colonial township. On evening discover the famous dance drama of Kerala, the “Kathakali” show. This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Overnight stay at hotel. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will Experience Real life of Cochin during an Ethnic tour – start with the visit of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks, have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on every postcard... Next visit is at the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and the Santa cruz Basilica, one of the finest and imposing churches in India. Then take a tuk tuk– the most popular mode of transport among the localities Go along with your local tour and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), once throbbing with activity, it is now a picture of slow extinction. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, and arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargains prices. Don’t miss a stop at the Spice Market, where exotic odour of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper emanate from the spice warehouses lining the street and fills it. Make a pause with a refreshing tea at one of the tea shops where you get the “one meter” tea. There is now an opportunity to interact with a Brahmin Family. The Brahmin are the highest of the four Hindu castes, made up of priests and scholars of Vedic literature and their traditional occupation is to conduct rites at marriages, births, deaths and other auspicious occasions. Then you will be invite to getting squiggly lines drawn on your hands... This ritual called Mehndi arts holds plenty of cultural significance in Indian traditions and is one of the most important pre-wedding ceremonies in their marriages. Later visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel. In time, transfer Cochin airport for your flight back home.